However, these problems aren't necessarily thought to be directly related to increased bilirubin levels, and could indicate a condition other than Gilbert's syndrome.

Around 1 in 3 people with Gilbert's syndrome don't experience any symptoms at all. Therefore, you may not realise you have the syndrome until tests for an unrelated problem are carried out.

When to see your GP

See your GP if you experience an episode of jaundice for the first time.

The jaundice of Gilbert's syndrome is usually mild, but jaundice can be associated with more serious liver problems, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis C.

It's therefore important to seek immediate medical advice from your GP if you have jaundice. If you can't get in touch with your GP, contact NHS 111 or your local out-of-hours service for advice.

If you've been diagnosed with Gilbert's syndrome, you don't usually need to seek medical advice during an episode of jaundice, unless you have additional or unusual symptoms.

What causes Gilbert's syndrome?

Gilbert's syndrome is a genetic disorder that's hereditary (it runs in families). People with the syndrome have a faulty gene which causes the liver to have problems removing bilirubin from the blood.

Normally, when red blood cells reach the end of their life (after about 120 days), haemoglobin – the red pigment that carries oxygen in the blood – breaks down into bilirubin.

The liver converts bilirubin into a water-soluble form, which passes into bile and is eventually removed from the body in pee or poo. Bilirubin gives pee its light yellow colour and poo its dark brown colour.

In Gilbert's syndrome, the faulty gene means that bilirubin isn't passed into bile (a fluid produced by the liver to help with digestion) at the normal rate. Instead, it builds up in the bloodstream, giving the skin and white of the eyes a yellowish tinge.

Other than inheriting the faulty gene, there are no known risk factors for developing Gilbert's syndrome. It isn't related to lifestyle habits, environmental factors or serious underlying liver problems, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis C.

What triggers the symptoms?

People with Gilbert's syndrome often find there are certain triggers that can bring on an episode of jaundice.

Diagnosing Gilbert's syndrome

When the liver is damaged, it releases enzymes into the blood. At the same time, levels of proteins that the liver produces to keep the body healthy begin to drop. By measuring the levels of these enzymes and proteins, it's possible to build up a reasonably accurate picture of how well the liver is functioning.

If the test results show you have high levels of bilirubin in your blood, but your liver is otherwise working normally, a confident diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome can usually be made.

In certain cases, a genetic test may be necessary to confirm a diagnosis of Gilbert's syndrome.

Living with Gilbert's syndrome

Gilbert's syndrome is a lifelong disorder. However, it doesn't require treatment because it doesn't pose a threat to health and doesn't cause complications or an increased risk of liver disease.

Episodes of jaundice and any associated symptoms are usually short-lived and eventually pass.

You may find it useful to avoid the things you know trigger episodes of jaundice, such as dehydration and stress.

If you have Gilbert's syndrome, the problem with your liver may also mean you're at risk of developing jaundice or other side effects after taking certain medications such as medications for high cholesterol. Therefore, seek medical advice before taking any new medication and make sure you mention to any doctors treating you for the first time that you have Gilbert's syndrome.